Camping at Enders available on first-come basis

With social distancing at the front of everyone’s minds, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission closed camping at state parks earlier this year.
Camping sites opened back up Memorial Day weekend on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We just ask that people camp at a designated site, whether powered or not,” Supt. Beau Licking said.
“We had some campers for Memorial Day but the weekend after saw more of them,” he added.
Licking isn’t sure when camping reservations would open back up.
“There’s such a backlog of reservations that I don’t know when it will happen,” he said.
Last week normal operations started opening, including showers, with swim beaches being opened today (Thursday.)
Some undesignated beach areas will remain open only for walk-in access and fishing if social distancing and gathering size limits are maintained.
“With high demand for camping and outdoor recreational opportunities, and changes in the state’s Directed Health Measures, we are pleased to restore camping opportunities and allow guests to participate in activities they love,” Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas said.
State park cabins and lodges remain closed at other Nebraska state parks. The Game and Parks officials say they will continue to keep state park cabins, lodges and group activity shelters closed through June 15.
“While this may be an inconvenience to those who have reservations for facilities, we want to make sure rentals are safe for our visitors and staff,” said Parks Division Administrator Jim Swenson.
Game and Parks offices, visitor’s centers and welcome centers also are still closed to public walk-in traffic until further notice, as are playground structures at state park and recreation areas.
Enders is not affected by the cabin and lodging closures since there are only privately owned cabins there.
For more information on COVID-19 related closings at state parks, visit outdoornebraska.gov/healthinfo/.